Satellite Images Reveal Devastation in Gaza City Following Israeli Strikes
In a recent development, new satellite images have exposed the extensive damage caused by Israeli strikes in the city of Rafah, located in southern Gaza. These images depict large craters near the site of an Israeli operation that took place on 12 February. Shockingly, some of these craters are a mere 130 meters away from rows of tents, where numerous individuals displaced by the ongoing war have sought shelter.
The satellite images, captured on 14 February, provide a harrowing glimpse into the aftermath of the Israeli raid. BBC Verify, after analyzing a video provided by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showcasing the rescue operation, was able to pinpoint the location to a district in Rafah that houses several plastic greenhouses. Tragically, many of these greenhouses, along with nearby buildings, have been completely destroyed. The latest satellite images also highlight the alarming proximity of the strikes to areas densely populated with temporary structures that serve as homes for those displaced by the conflict.
It is worth noting that Israel has repeatedly urged Palestinians living in north and central Gaza to relocate southward for their own safety. However, despite following this advice, the displaced individuals now find themselves in the line of fire. The IDF claims that its primary target is Hamas fighters who operate in these areas. Nevertheless, innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
Rafah’s population has surged five-fold since the Hamas attacks on 7 October, with an estimated 1.5 million people currently residing there. As a result, vast spaces within the city have been transformed into tent cities, including its main road. From an aerial perspective, it is evident that the main highway through Rafah has become congested with temporary structures, effectively cutting off traffic.
BBC Verify has also been monitoring other regions where temporary camps have been established, including the nearby Al-Mawasi area. Over the past few weeks, the number of tents in Al-Mawasi has significantly increased. Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, this narrow strip of land was designated as a shelter by Israeli officials during the initial two months of the war. Previously characterized by sandy dunes and agricultural land, Al-Mawasi now accommodates a growing number of temporary structures along its coastline. Furthermore, a vast empty area in the east has been transformed into a sea of tents.
The situation in Al-Mawasi has been described as a “Gaza humanitarian zone not humane” by evacuees. The dire circumstances faced by Palestinians in Rafah and other affected areas are further exacerbated by the lack of basic amenities and resources.
As the Israel-Gaza war rages on, it is crucial to shed light on the devastating consequences faced by innocent civilians. The satellite images serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing conflict. The international community must step up its efforts to protect the lives and well-being of those caught in the crossfire, ensuring that their suffering does not go unnoticed or unaddressed.
